back together again!

The concentración for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Finland and France began on Tuesday morning. Surprisingly, as the players began arriving, there were no major fashion failures (emphasis on the word “major” since some of the players, in the simple act of choosing their own clothes, commit fashion crimes).

Here’s a good video of the arrivals; I like how so many players (Cesc, Pepe, Nacho, Busi, Pedro, Azpi, Villa, Pedro, Mata, Alba, Xavi, Cazorla) emerge from one van! It almost looks like a clown car, albeit a lot bigger.

Later that day, Xavi got checked out by the team doctors for the discomfort in his right thigh and underwent some tests, and they decided he would do solitary recovery work before joining the group. As such, he was absent at the training session, and it appears he won’t be playing against Finland. Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets got to sit out the last part of the session, as a precaution.

Jesús Navas and David de Gea spoke to the press, where Navas said of Xavi, “he’s a very important player in the midfield, but there are players who can substitute for him in this position. We hope he’ll be ready for the next game against France.” Meanwhile, David said he has matured a lot in recent years, and he’s very happy to be called up for the senior team for the first time.

The players also spent some time filming spots for La Roja’s sponsors Adidas, Iberdrola, Pedro del Hierro and Movistar.

VDB, David Villa, Sergio Ramos, Andrés Iniesta, Geri Piqué, Pepe, David de Gea, Jesús Navas and Cesc also helped to present the national team’s new web site, which can be found here.

A little spotlight on Sergio Ramos, as he is set to become Spain’s youngest player to join the club of 100. If he plays against Finland in Gijón later this week, he will reach the milestone eight days shy of his 27th birthday.

As for interviews, “El Larguero” spoke to the fathers of Andrés Iniesta and Sergio Ramos, José Antonio and José María, respectively, as Tuesday was Father’s Day and also for both men their saint’s day. José Antonio said the best gift he received was Andrés scoring goals and playing well during a game on that day (he doesn’t remember what age his son was), and in general whenever Andrés plays well and he enjoys it, it’s a great gift. As for the day Andrés was born, he says he was at work (he worked as a construction worker).

José María was asked for a memorable gift from his son, and he says it was a goal Sergio scored right after his father (Sergio’s grandfather) passed away (when Sergio was 16), because Sergio celebrated it by running towards him, giving him a hug and then looking up at heaven and dedicating it to his father. He also says Sergio used to be closer to him when he was small, but as time went on, he became a mama’s boy (and of his sister as well).

In an interview with El Mundo, Isco revealed that his first memory of the national team was watching the 1998 World Cup in France when he was six, and that over the years he has noticed a change in philosophy for the team, brought on by Luis Aragonés, which has led to victory. He also said he was very satisfied with his debut, but he’s not content to leave it at one game, and he’s working hard to get many more under his belt.

And to end, a little love for La Rojita! The U-21 and U-19 teams are currently together as well right now, and that meant a reunion for these two “brothers” – Thiago and Rodri!